/lap"wing'/ , n.
1. a large Old World plover, Vanellus vanellus, having a long, slender, upcurved crest, an erratic, flapping flight, and a shrill cry.
2. any of several similar, related plovers.
[ bef. 1050; ME, var. (by assoc. with WING) of lapwinke, OE hleapwince plover. See LEAP, WINK ]